Windborne Ballooning began offering Hot Air Balloon Flights over Canada's capital in 1985 and has grown steadily since. We now offer a Balloon Pilot Training Program and have become an Authorized Dealer of FireFly Balloons^tm

       Looking for adventure? . . a unique gift idea? Experience the magic of a balloon flight and let the world below drift away. Feel the exhilaration of morning-fresh country air or toast the sunset at days end. Windborne offers these wondrous adventures in a traditional Champagne Hot Air Balloon Flight high above the beauty of Ottawa. We schedule flights twice a day, every day, all year round. It's easy to book a flight, or arrange for a gift certificate. Just call us at 1 (613) 739-7388. If you have a special day in mind, it's best to book a couple of weeks in advance, otherwise we will give you the next available flight time which is convenient for you. If the weather doesn't co-operate on your selected day an alternate time will be arranged.

Our rates are: $150 per person  $275 per couple and $135 per person in groups of three or four.
Children aged 10 to 13 are $75 and those aged 14 to 16 are $100, when accompanied by at least one adult.
Reservations can be made by phone and no deposit is required to book a flight.

Questions? . . Here Are Some Answers!

On the Day Of The Flight . . ?

About an hour or so before flight time, we do a weather check to get the information we need to plan the flight. We'll give you a call soon afterwards and let you know if there will be a flight and, if so, exactly when and where you should meet us for the launch. After the flight, of course, we'll bring you back to the launch site.

When Do You Fly?

Balloon flights are normally timed to take off within an hour of sunrise or during the two hours before sunset. We don't fly during the day because the air is turbulent with thermal winds. In the winter these winds are not as strong and we can fly anytime of day.

When Don't You Fly?

Rain, fog, low cloud cover, too much wind or not enough wind are the typical weather conditions that will prompt us to postpone a scheduled flight. We consider a wind speed of 10 knots as the upper threshold for safety. Even at that, launches and landings can be hazardous. Each pilot will make his or her own decision whether or not it is safe to fly. Not enough wind? Unlike a boat becalmed on water, a balloon can only wait as long as its fuel supply allows and we prefer to have a choice of landing sites. And, of course, an hour or so of going nowhere isn't much of an adventure.
We know that it can be a big disappointment to have your special flight postponed, but there is a saying that " It is better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than to be in the air wishing you were on the ground! ".

How Does A Hot Air Balloon Work?

Present-day Hot Air Balloon systems closely resemble the original balloons and work on the simple principle that hot air rises. They consist of an envelope to contain the hot air, a system to produce the hot air and a wicker basket to carry the people. Lift is derived from heating the air inside the envelope and descent by allowing some of the air to escape through a vent or by letting it cool naturally.

Where Do You Launch?

The choice of launch site will vary depending on the wind direction at the time of the flight. We want to go in a direction where we know there will be a fair selection of good landing sites. We are fortunate that, in Ottawa, there are a variety of launch sites that suit the various wind directions.

Where Do You Land?

Balloons don't have any means of controlling lateral movement so they go wherever the wind takes them. Part of the adventure of Ballooning is not knowing your destination prior to departure. During the flight, the pilot will select a landing site which is free of obstacles, large enough for a safe landing and deflation of the balloon, and not too far from a road. Happily, there are many such spots around Ottawa.

How Long Is The Flight?

Flights usually last one to one and a half hours, but we suggest you allow up to four hours for the whole excursion. This will include set-up and pack-up time as well as travel time back to the launch site.

What Should I Wear?

You should dress to suit the season. You won't be much warmer or cooler during the flight than you would be on the ground. You should also choose footwear that's suitable for walking through country fields.

What Should I Bring?

You may want to bring a camera to record your experience, binoculars to enhance your enjoyment of the spectacular scenery, or a friend to share it with. Remember, cameras have neckstraps!

Can I Help?

Certainly!, if you wish. We have sufficent, experienced ground personnel, but we also understand that some people would like to get a little more involved. Remember though, listen carefully to the pilot or the crew chief when they're giving you instructions and if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask!

How Can I Book A Flight?

Call us at 1 (613) 739-7388. If you have a special day in mind it's best to book a couple of weeks in advance. If the weather is unco-operative on the selected day, then an alternate time will be arranged. Hot Air Balloons can fly any time of the year and each season has its own particular attractions. The choice is yours!

Can I Get A Gift Certificate?

Yes, of course, it's a great way to help someone celebrate a birthday or anniversary and it gives them the opportunity to choose when they wish to fly. Our regular Gift Certificates are valid for two years from the date of purchase and are completely transferable, refundable or redeemable during that time.

Contacting Windborne Ballooning

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1 (613) 739-7388 or,
provide whatever contact information you deem necessary and e-mail us at
WINDBORNE BALLOON FLIGHTS. Thanks for your interest!

We also offer BALLOON PILOT TRAINING.*
* Contains valuable information on Canadian Licensing Procedure!

WINDBORNE BALLOONING LIMITED        OTTAWA, ONTARIO  1 (613) 739-7388
Authorized Dealer of  FIREFLY BALLOONS ^tm*